Top 6 Engine Tuning Books - Reviews & Best Buys
July 27, 2008 by Emmanuel Grigoriou · Leave a Comment
Hi. Here's a few words about the 6 books I have read the past 2 years on how to improve, modify and powertune engines. The authors are David Vizard - 1 book, Des Hamill - 4 books, and Peter Burgess and David Gollan - 1 book.
About 4 years ago I bought an old ford Capri which little did I know needed a lot of work. I started working on it without any real knowledge of what I was doing, generally making mistakes and so 'took the long route' to being able to actually drive it. I never looked for any tech books or info on the internet from people who had been there and done it ...duh!
It took me about 6 months to get the old beast on the road.
When I started driving it I began getting interested in the performance of my vehicle. Though it did go well with its 2000cc twin choke downdraught weber SOHC pinto engine I wanted more!!
Then a few days later my friend John Gasto told me about a book he had somewhere about tuning and modifying the Ford 2000cc SOHC pinto engine and he said he would lend it to me. That book was David Vizard's "How to modify ford SOHC engines". (I've linked these titles so you can see more in depth reviews I've written on each one)
I was hooked, this book was giving me all the knowledge I needed to build my self an engine that would go like *:_()(&&^$^$%$@'!! And that was exactly what I wanted. I used to hate reading books, my mind would wonder; but not with David Vizard's books - no Sir. I was hooked, I am hooked.
Then I bought a copy of Des Hammill's "How to powertune Ford SOHC 'pinto' engines" which is great; then Des Hammill's "How to choose camshafts & time them for maximum power"; followed that with Peter Burgess's & David Gollan's "How to build, modify & powertune cylinder heads" which is superb.
Next came another one from Des Hammill "How to build & powertune Weber & Dellorto DCOE, DCO/SP & DHLA carburettors". And the latest one I bought last month "How to build & powertune distributor type ignition systems" by Des Hammill.
With hand on heart I can tell you that all of the above will give you enourmous value for money. And you will enjoy them!
Before you go heading off to Amazon to buy them, check here below to see if there are any on ebay, because they will be your best buy, price-wise.
A Word About The Listings Below The results below will show all books listed for: David Vizard, Des Hammill and Peter Burgess and David Gollan. They may not be the actual titles that I have used - so you need to check that. It shows listings in the US by default but by clicking on the arrow of the small box immediately below you now, you can select your own country. The display is set to show 9 items at a time but has option at the bottom to view as many pages of items as you like... If it says that there were no items found, it means that there are no books for those authors listed on ebay at this moment.
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TUNING FORD ESCORTS CAPRIS by David Vizard | ![]() |
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US $22.16 | 17h 15m |
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How To Build Horsepower Vol 1 By David Vizard | ![]() |
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US $25.67 | 19h 49m |
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HOW TO MODIFY YOUR MINI by David Vizard | ![]() |
1 Bid | US $14.77 | 4d 17h 48m |
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How to Modify Ford SOHC Engines DAVID VIZARD | ![]() |
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US $5.95 | 22d 6h 18m |
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How to Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy by David Vizard | ![]() |
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US $12.94 | 29d 14h 7m |
Reviews and Best Buys for the ‘TomTom One’ Sat Nav
July 26, 2008 by Emmanuel Grigoriou · Leave a Comment
I bought a ‘TomTom One’ satellite navigation around six months ago and it’s proved itself a great gadget! It’s easy to use, reliable and I can honestly say it’s been worth every penny I paid 10 times over.
I bought mine originally because I started a new business as an express courier service in the UK. It was a must-have for getting the job done.Now 6 months down the line I can say that yes, it’s wonderful how science and technology bring this satellite navigation right into my van and my car… it’s brilliant!
I’ve written a detailed review of the TomTom One, including a video where you can catch up with us using it on a trip to London…
It’s now starting to ‘rub off’ on my family: every time they were driving a route they didn’t know too well they wanted to borrow mine. I lend it to them when I can but I need mine for work. Now, one by one, they’re getting their own.
Satellite navigation’s addictive – once you’ve tried it you don’t want to be without it! If you're ready to take the plunge you'll find some of the best buys in the listings below.
A Word About The Listings Below: It will show listings in the US by default but by clicking on the small box immediately below you can select your own country. The display is set to show 9 items at a time but has option at the bottom to view as many pages of items as you like... That's it!
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TOMTOM GO ONE XL S GPS CAR NAVIGATION TOM US CA EXTRA | ![]() |
21 Bids | US $132.50 | 29m |
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BRAND NEW TomTom One 125 GPS Tom Tom Navigation System | ![]() |
2 Bids | US $102.00 | 33m |
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TOMTOM GO ONE 3RD EDITION AUTO GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM | ![]() |
4 Bids | US $75.00 | 35m |
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TomTom ONE 3rd Edition Compact GPS Receiver Navigator | ![]() |
12 Bids | US $57.00 | 47m |
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TOMTOM GO ONE CAR GPS NAVIGATION TOM US CANADA PR MAP | ![]() |
24 Bids | US $91.00 | 52m |
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TomTom One 3rd Edition GPS Car Navigation System | ![]() |
9 Bids | US $66.00 | 1h 2m |
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TOMTOM GO ONE XLS GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM XL S TOM US CAN | ![]() |
1 Bid | US $136.99 | 1h 4m |
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TOMTOM GO ONE GPS CAR NAVIGATION TOM MAP US CANADA PR | ![]() |
31 Bids | US $90.00 | 1h 9m |
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TOMTOM GO ONE XL S GPS CAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM TOM XLS | ![]() |
16 Bids | US $114.50 | 1h 29m |
If you want to test the waters, so to speak, you can probably find a car or van rental firm near you who will rent out a sat nav by the day.
This is what I did initially. The firm I rented from had Garmin but they are quite a bit more expensive and are no better than the TomTom.
The TomTom One is the least expensive of the sat navs and it truly works like a pro.
I’ve written a detailed review of my TomTom One, including a video where you can catch up with us using it for a trip to London…
Have fun!


















